Today’s discovery by TechCrunch that HP filed for a trademark on Palmpad confirms what many have guessed would happen. The acquisition of Palm will likely make its way into larger devices.
Palm’s webOS is the best mobile operating system and should translate better to a tablet than Apple iOS. However, I hope that HP does not make the same mistake that Palm did when it was independent — namely, chase Apple — because it still cannot compete with their head start, rabid fan base, or number of applications. At best, a simple webOS tablet could perhaps gain a #3 or #4 position behind the iPad but ahead of some eBook readers.
HP must redefine expectations to be in a position of strength. It can capitalize on the many false starts of its Microsoft Windows brethren and Google Android cousins.
